Richard Pitino is not the most dazzling branch on the Pitino coaching tree. But in many way he is the most impressive.

The Wildcats dispatched the Vols by 5 points in Knoxville on Jan. 28 and again by 11 two weeks later at Rupp Arena.

Some guys coach. Some guys win championships. Some guys achieve at high levels. But only a few guys make a difference. Scott Davenport made a difference.

Rick delivers reasonable suggestions in a Welcome to Kentucky package for the next coach.

As soon as the news is officially confirmed that Calipari will be the next Head Hog at Arkansas, the spotlight shifts to UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart.

Make Kevin Keatts the fourth former Pitino assistant to crash a Final Four, joining Tubby Smith, Billy Donovan and Mick Cronin. Not a terrible club to join.

The first time the tournament stretched as deep as March 29 was in 1975, one of the most unforgettable days on the local sports calendar.

Pratt was one of the good guys, quick with a kind word, generous with his time and reassuring with his demeanor. 

Louisville has one victory over a team (Wake Forest) likely to make the field and five losses to teams unlikely to qualify.

Smith will turn 71 in June.